I’ve have a thing for old English percussion double barrel shotguns. They’re impractical and a pain to clean, but I would love to own one. This very original James Dougall is a good example why.
Check out the woodwork around the locks — that’s crisp. The metal-to-wood fit throughout the gun is flawless, too, and it was all done by hand. Very impressive. Take a look at the little extras like the engraving and fit of the buttplate. Who does work like that today? I also love the bulged triggerguard and over sized rear trigger. It reminds me of guns from the flintlock era. Very cool.
James Dalziel Dougall started making guns in 1816. This double barrel shotgun is probably from the 1850s. The percussion-gun era took off about 1830. By 1860 it was on its way out; breechloading pinfires were taking over. By 1867 centerfire breechloaders were on the scene. They would dominate the market by 1870.
I really wish I had made this Dougall mine. It would be right at home behind my bird dog as we chase grouse. I would love to crack her off and see that white cloud of smoke roll up through the poplars and pines. It would be a little like traveling back in time.
Too bad my pickup needs a new transmission.
